This is a zine dedicated to death/thrash, technical and traditional death metal for more info contact hatredmeanswar@yahoo.com looking for new authors do to lack of time to cover everything email me at the email listed above if you want to do reviews and interviews for the blog.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Adam: Sophicide started in 2009 as my solo project. I wrote and produced a couple of songs at that time and released the first EP for free download. People seemed to be into it, so I decided to continue writing new material when I eventually had the opportunity to sign with Willowtip and finish the upcoming debut record “Perdition Of The Sublime” which will be released August 14th.

Sebastian: I first got in touch with Sophicide after the EP “The Art of Atrocity” was finished. We roughly came from the same scene, our musical preferences were practically alike and he was still in search of a second guitar player so it was a good fit.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Sebastian: The dynamic of the songs reaches from chaotic blast beats over doom riffs up to meticulous clean parts. But while the range is wide the very core of all ideas is still about the melody and harmonies behind it. As I am not the one who wrote the songs the sound had something magical to me when I first encountered it. This might come from the influences of different genres of music I was reminded of; like typical sounds and patterns from oriental and classical music. But they are not too apparent either. That is why it felt mystical to me. You can hear the influences but you can not completely grasp them.

Adam: To put it in few words, it’s basically fast and technical deathmetal. The songs sound aggressive I think, yet I always tried to retain melody and groove. There are some progressive, even mellow moments going on, but the overall feel to the music is of fierce nature.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Adam: On this particular record the songs basically revolve around the album title “Perdition Of The Sublime” which also kinda describes the band name. It’s about the intellectual part of society being undermined by people like conservative republicans, fanatic evangelicals and such. Now I know this might sound a bit elitist, but let’s be frank here, in a world where people want to teach creationism in schools and others (or the same) support Rick Santorum’s politics, you can easily tell there is something wrong.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band name?

Adam: “Sophicide” means “murder of wisdom”, you could also describe it with the more common term “anti-intellectualism”, which seems to be an upward trend in modern society. I really think humanity is slowly digging its own grave by being inconsiderate and plain dumb. People don’t seem to care about shit, as long as they’re kept busy with mundane work and fed with cheap meat. It really makes me sick, so this is the basic idea about the band name.

5. I have read that this band started out as a solo project, what was the decision behind hiring a full line up?

Adam: Well, after running Sophicide as my little solo project I thought it was about time to really bring it to life, that of course includes a full line up and live shows. But as for now we’re still in search of a drummer and a bassist, preferably from the same area we come from, which is around the area of Wiesbaden, Germany. So if you think you’re the right guy (or gal), feel free to contact us ;-)

6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Adam: As our line up is not complete yet, we haven’t played any shows yet. But it’s just a matter of time and we’re definitely looking forward to it. It’s gonna be a blast!

7. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

It’s kinda said in the previous answer ;-)

8. Currently you are signed to Willowtip, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

Adam: After I finished the first EP, Jason from Willowtip contacted me rather soon and I must say I was pretty much blown away by this, I mean there are a bunch of amazing bands at Willowtip, so it’s really an honor to join them. The support has been simply great so far, so working together really is a pleasure!

9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of technical death metal?

Sebastian: Heartwarmingly positive for the most part. People are nice. But while technically the feedback was international I wouldn’t talk about worldwide scale yet.

Adam: Definitely pretty good for now, it feels great when your work gets appreciated. But I hope there’s still a lot more feedback to come, whether it’s positive or not.

10. Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

Sebastian: There is another prog death metal project called Dahlian with long-ass songs where the two of us are guitar players and vocalists. It isn’t as developed though so we will see what the future will bring and if we can find other musicians to join us.

11. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Adam: That’s a tough one, you know, I don’t really plan these things out, so at the moment I can’t tell what the next album is going to sound like. I already started working on some new stuff, but as I said, we’ll see how the new material turns out, so I’m curious about it, too!

12. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Sebastian: Every genre has its gems (except for “Schlagermusik” maybe) so there is always far too much stuff that I want to listen to. Right these days I dig the new periphery album and Bilateral by Leprous who are among other bands like Opeth, Cynic and Cloudkicker big influences to me. It’s really hard not to name some more. There are a ton obviously.

Adam: I really like a lot of different styles of music, but the more obvious influences are bands like The Faceless, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Bloodbath, Necrophagist and such. As one of my all time favorites Opeth can’t go unmentioned here, but there are so many more of course. Right now I listen to a lot of stuff like Tesseract and Periphery. A lot of people seem to hate it, but I’m really into that djent stuff.

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Sebastian: Every other source of creativity, admiration of nature, the simple philosophies of life that make it more enjoyable, the deepening thrills of learning and starcraft, I guess.

Adam: Besides creating music I really like everything that’s somehow challenging or involves being creative, like programming or fooling around with photoshop. On the other hand there are days where I’m just lazy and watching Family Guy, sometimes I need that, too. But these days I’m pretty busy, so no time for cartoons, I guess.

14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview/

Adam: In the words of the great Charles Chaplin: “Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to the happiness of all!”

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band thesedays?

We have a new line-up as many people will see. We have recorded a new CD"Atrophied In Anguish", which will be available in September. At themoment we are working on learning older material for our liveperformances. Obscenity is activley booking and playing live aroundGermany with plans to play in other parts of Europe in the near future.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how itdiffers from previous releases?

Musically "Atrophied In Anguish" is more brutal but still keeps thesound of old Obscenity alive. Since the line-up has changed you can heara clear difference in the song structures. The lyrics also follow more"traditional" Deathmetal themes.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new releaseexplores?

Anti-religion and light political themes are some of the main topics.For instance, "From Heroic to Depraved" is a brief look into the pastfrom the first cultures to today. Of course the song shows my opinon ofit and how religion has perverted culture. On "Atrophied In Anguish" youwill also find a lot of typical gore/horror based shit.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

You´re the first one who ´s gonna ask that question, hahaha. In the late80th we were looking for a fitting name for the band.. we had somedifferent ideas, for example “Artificial Intelligence” or stuff likethat, and one day Sascha (drums) came up with this idea including afinal logo on a piece of paper.. he´s always a very horny boy in fact..so the band name was born… I think the meaning of a bands name is notalways important for the fans.. but you have to give a name for a child.Nobody asks a bout the meaning of the name “Michael” for example… it´sjust a name.

5. The band has been around for more than 20 years, what is it thatmotivates you to kep it going very long?

Obscenity is my child. It is even more than a hobby or leisure timeactivity. It is like expressing myself... thinking, living and feelingin this special way. The band is a huge part of my life I spend time in,and in every year of existence it will be more important than the yearbefore.. and so on…

6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far andhow would you describe your stage performance?

In every case- Wacken , The no Mercy festivals and the Six Feet Undertour! We had a very good fan base at this time and we´ve learned a lotby touring with all the other guys. At this time we had some singleshows, maybe 5 or 6 with the actual cast. But we have to play more gigsto come back to the usual form and performance.In 2013 we´re gonna plan to play more than only single shows. Thinkingabout touring in England and playing around in Europe, because of ournew Booking Agency In Switzerland.

7. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

See question nr.6

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer album byfans of death metal?

Oh , we don´t know yet. We are waiting for the reviews until now. We gota few ones and they are all much better than expected. In average ..ca80-90 % and better… but we are still waiting for more to come ,hahaha.But in common the reviews are all positive about the song writing andthe melodic solos. I think this is the most important point on AiAbeside the good production and the sound.

9. Are there any current musical sound projects besides this band?

No, none of us has got any other band playing in. We are all in jobs andObscenity needs a lot of time. Writing songs, practicing, planning ,interviews and so on. We all have jobs and that’s the main thing. Sothere is no time for games like this…

10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

There is no change in sight. The title track is very important for thefurther direction of Obscenity. We never gonna wimp out ! Always gettingbetter and mellower. We did not wanna change our style.. It is anObscenity Style !

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced yournewer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We are all listening to different kinda music styles. From hardrock topunk, from Crossover to death metal or grind. But my fave style is theFlorida Death Metal style !I love that kinda music mostly. For example Deicide or MalevolentCreation…But it has to be melodic in the solos and a good chorus to sing or growlalong ….

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Beside work and Obscenity is very less time at all… but in the freetimeI like fishing and also Jörg does. Chris was in a paintball team, but hehas to leave it for the band.Some of us are married and have children and this takes a lot of time.Jeff is a big Fun Park fan. He often visits the Parks with his family.Sascha is a Die Hard Metal Freak always listening to the Hard ´n HeavyBands of the eighties.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Yes, of course. Thanx a lot for interviewing and keep the Death Metalalive.Listen to “ Atrophied in Anguish” andStay Obscene!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Hello, at first time I would like to thank you and your interest to make an interview with my band. I could say that the band is inactive for personal reasons and just yesterday 9 of july, was released the new compilation of the band with all material remastered that includes our EP from 2010 Slave To The Grave originally released by Dark Descent records and our both demos Dark Awakening from 2007 and Unconsecrated Cemetery from 2006, the final product was called Awakening In The Cemetery Grave, it's awesome with a 16 pages booklet done by Jonathan Reina from Necroven, this booklet includes all lyrics, bio, pictures, etc.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new material and how it differs from previous releases?

The new stuff is more raw, heavy and crushing than all records that we did before, it's normal because when we started to play we never touch a instrument before and everything wen so fast but the result was good, now, with the join of Overlord on guitar the band sounds better and with him experience the songs took other direction more professional, brutal and focused to swedish death metal from 90's.

3. How would you describe the lyrical topics and concepts of the music?

Well, the lyrics is work of our singer Kent from norwegian band Unspoken, I gave just the titles and he created the lyrics for all songs, the themes can touch the satanism, darkness, and other concepts, so would be great to ask about it to him directly...

We had a clear idea about the lyrics theme, we don't want to talk about other things, I think that death metal should touch these kind of things, I don't like to see death metal bands talking about politics or things that can't stick with death metal

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Ok, in 2006 when I decided to create the band I was crazy trying to find a name for the band como Reincremated, one day, listening to Crematory-Denial MCD I seen the title of a track called Unconsecrated ground and I liked too much, I liked just how sounds the word Unconsecrated, so I decided that would be the name for the band.Also, I thought that this name would fit perfectly with the themes that we went to write in our songs as profaned cemeteries, death, zombies,etc.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Well, somebody did this question to me in other interviews. We never played live shows and for the moment I don't think that we will do it, Unconsecrated is a studio band, you could believe me if I say that we never did a rehearsal together?, ok, the thing is that each member creates some riffs at house and then we put it together, and this is the final product, I know that in these days with internet is more confortable, I would be lying if I say the opposite. I don't know if I will be playing with the band again, if I do it, will be to play live shows and record a complete album, I have too much riff as to record 7 songs at least.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

As I said before, We never played live shows and we don't have plans to do it.If you ask me bands what I would like to share in stage, these would be my favourite bands: NECROVEN,MASS BURIAL,DECAYING,DESECRESY

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?

As alaways, not everybody likes our music, specially our early demos, thing that I understand because when we recorded our first demo in 2006 we had playing guitars just for 6 months and with the demo of 2007 we had playing one year, so you can imagine the experience that we had, but we recorded 13 songs during one year, in 2010 when we recorded our 7" EP the experience that we had was higher and the comments of the people was better, I don't heard some bad comment about Slave to the grave, although I assume that exist, but sometimes is good to hear bad comments to improve.

8. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

My only project at the moment is my label called Dark Blasphemies Records which I manage with my brother. At the moment we had 3 releases in the street and late this year we plan to release the demos of american band CRUCIFIX which released in 1992 a brutal demo called Barriers and will be remastered with two songs from 1994 and other demo from 1991 which never was a popular record of Thrash/Death. Recently premiered our websitewith online shop:www.darkblasphemiesrecords.com

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

If I ever decide to play with the band again our style will be the same, we don't wanna do something new, but we will create a rotten atmosphera in the vein of 90's death metal.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Ok, the bands that influenced to create Unconsecrated was ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER, CARNAGE, UNLEASHED, GOD MACABRE, NIRVANA 2002, just to say some bands, even their records sounds fresh for me in these days and I take ideas from each band, I always liked that style, and that is what I tried to play with my band.About the bands playing in my HI FI lately are: WAR MASTER, ECTOVOID, ESCARNIUM, COFFIN TEXTS, EMBALMED, CRUCIFIX, NECROVEN, and many more, everyday I usually listen 3 or 4 different records, since actual bands to classics from 90's.

11. How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?

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To be honest I can't say nothing good or bad, I like this themes but I don't have any particular vision about it.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

9 months ago my wife and I had a baby and I would like to give him too much time, spending time with my friends, trying to keep my work in these difficult times and continue with my label.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thanks so much for your time to do this interview, I'm sorry if the answers are short but I can't do it really good, I would like to say that Unconcecrated's cd is out now trough my label and I hope to return the band in the future.Spread the sickness!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Infernal Death are a band from Poland that plays a very heavy, extreme, and brutal form of death metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Gniew" which was released by Wydawnictuo Muzycane Psycho.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with heavy riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast death metal riffs that are very heavy, extreme and brutal sounding mixed in with some thrash metal influences in the riffing, while the lead guitars are very chaotic sounding death metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are all deep death metal growls, while the lyrics are written in Polish and cover Death, Fantasy, and Occult themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy, brutal and professional sound where you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on t his recording.

In my opinion Infernal Death are a very great sounding heavy, extreme and brutal death metal band and if you are a fan of this style of music, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Piekenla ymeria" "Ponura Przyszeoya" "Gniew" and "Doya". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Undersave are a band from Portugal that plays death metal in the old school vein and this is a review of their 2012 album "Now Submit Your Flesh To Your Master's Imagination" which was released by War Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast death metal riffs that are in the early 90's vein that utilize some thrash influences and melody in the riffing, while the lead guitars which are only utilized briefly are early 90's style death metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly deep death metal growls with some high pitched screams and samples, while the lyrics cover dark and hateful themes, as for the production it has a very strong and powerful sound that brings out the classic death metal feeling in the music.

In my opinion Undersave are a very great sounding old school style death metal band and if you are a fan of this style of music, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Digging And Blocking The Exit To Unwanted Freedom" "Disfigured Routine" and "Anthology". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Rock: We are preparing to play TitanFestIII in Belgium this September.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?

Rock: I like it. I think it sounds like Allen West's guitar/writing and much more.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

Rock: Marco wrote the lyrics on Death's Crown and its mainly about serial killers.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Rock: We wanted to call the band Old Sparky but that name was already in use so we liked the idea of using a play on Alfred Southwick's (the inventor of the electric chair) name cause he was from my hometown, Buffalo NY and it fit with the concept of Death's Crown.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Rock: Our first gig at Vlamrock in BE was a major blast. It was my first gig in Europe and it was awesome to see a large crowd. We played the Neurotic Deathfest in NL last year and that sticks out in my mind as well. We get onstage and jam..

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

Rock: Besides the TitanFest gig we have nothing confirmed as of yet. Stay tuned

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?

Rock: Mostly positive. Makes us feel good

8. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

Rock: I'm moonlighting in a cover band here in Maryland called Never 2 Strong and may be recording a couple of songs for the California Death Metal band Lustmord in the near future. Sven and Stef are doing well with Shattered Skull, They are playing a show or 2 with Six Feet Under soon.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Rock: Wherever the wind takes us.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Rock: I go to alot of Death/Black and Metal shows here in the Baltimore / Washington DC area. The Maryland Death Fest was a great time for the second year in a row. I don't really have any interests outside of music.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Rock: Allen West is back and Southwicked is gonna kick your ass old school style!

Monday, July 16, 2012

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Michael Hellriff - We are a Death Metal band from the Brazilian city of Salvador - Bahia. We began our pact with the darkness in 2008. Since then, we are buried alive with Poisonous. We have a self titled demo, released in 2009 by Genocide Prods. Also in partnership with Genocide Prods. it has been released our debut album "Perdition's Den" on CD version in 2010. The same has just been reissued through the U.S. label Metalhit on a digipack issue with a new cover artwork. Poisonous aims to reach the valley of shadows and making echo the dark mutterings of death. Rage for chaos! To maculate victims with nasty sex, vomit forth hate, defecate in the book of lies, practice dirty orgies dirty, dull the veins with alcohol and drugs and defend the precious Death Metal severely.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Michael Hellriff - Our sound is morbid, violent, primitive and lethal. Sounds like if the black venom of death became the sound from the depths of hell. Darkness is the core of our art. All of our most intense and impure feelings are present in our music.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Michael Hellriff - The band's name came when we made the black pact. Naturally it has been revealed before us manifesting itself at first place in the sick mind of our brother Alex Rocha, the man behind the drums. The name describes exactly what we are in life. Where there is faith we take sickness!

5. I know that the band started out as Impetous Rage, what was the decision behind the name change?

Michael Hellriff - We have not changed the name Impetuous Rage to Poisonous, but renounced Impetuous Page to give life to the venom of black death called Poisonous! They are two different bands.

6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Michael Hellriff - For us, all the dark appearances of Poisonous are significant and have the same level of importance. But in fact there are shows that make us a little more satisfied with respect to structure and organization. I can mention the gig in March 2010 sharing the stage with Benediction, Into the Corpse and Inside Hatred.

7. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

Michael Hellriff - Our only plan is to continue playing DEATH METAL, recording rites of death and keeping ourselves in the dark side. Most of the tours underground bands are doing nowadays have the costs covered by themselves, and it is not in our plans actually. We look for something more worthy for us. We are willing to do gigs around the world, but with a structure at least honorable.

8. Recently Metalhit.com re-issued the album with a Sarcofago cover, what was it that made you want to pay tribute to this legendary band?

Michael Hellriff - Yes! We love Sarcófago, and for us covering “The Black Vomit” couldn’t have been a better choice! Sarcófago has left its mark, showed the world the energy and power South American Metal delivers!

9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?

Michael Hellriff- We have had a very positive response on the part of the maniacs who have had the opportunity to listen to our DEATH METAL. We keep good contacts with zines, bands, labels, and diehards around the world. We support activities of the underworld, enjoy doing trades and we are people really dedicated to this wonderful way of infernal life!

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Michael Hellriff - We are preparing to enter the studio again later this year to record an EP. Subsequently the recording of this EP, we'll start working on recording our next album. There are some rites being prepared for the second album.

11. I have noticed that the bands music is more rooted in the early classic death metal sound, what are your opinions on the more modern death metal bands that have came out in the last few years?

Michael Hellriff - I do not like overly elements in modern Death Metal. My school is the old one. I like things from the 80’d and 90’s in the case of more extreme metal and death metal. But I cannot but recognize the value of bands that are relatively new yet very good around there. for example Dead Congregation, Cruciamentum, Grave Miasma, Impetuous Ritual (USA), Blasphemic Cruelty, Godless, Unholy Lust, Blaspherian...

12. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

13. How would you describe your vies on Satanism, Occultism and Anti Christianity?

Michael Hellriff - To me any kind of religion means prison! I am totally against any kind of action or organization that obstruct the freedom of being. I believe in individual evolution, the self-reflections, attitude and strength. For me it is not necessary to serve a kind of doctrine to bear stance. The term Satanism for me symbolizes the freedom of being. It exists as the opposite, to rebel against the utopia. Fuck the slaves of lies! Occultism for me means seeking knowledge, to investigate theories, uncover secrets, to enrich the self existence so that it does not become empty. Anti-Christianity represents intelligence and power over oneself!

14. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Michael Hellriff - Professionally I am interested in music production and computer. In everyday life I like to read some books, watching horror films, medieval battles, serial killers, martial arts, documentaries on wildlife and on natural phenomena. I also like bars, barbecue with my brothers to the sound of some old stuff, too much sex, drugs, madness, chaos, terror, violence, blasphemy, among other madness. That’s my life!